Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Side Effects

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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December 19, 2008

Pros:

It WORKS. Clears up acne. Within the first month or so I noticed I wasn't getting the BIG RED pimples that I used to get when breaking out. I'm on my 3rd month and get pimples rarely and they are fairly small.

Cons:

It took a couple months for me to really see drastic improvement. Lips are always chapped. I wake up, put chap stick on, drive to work, put chap stick on, go to eat, put chap stick on, etc. A little back pain.

If you want clear skin this is the stuff. I never have breakouts anymore, just an occasional pimple. My skin didn't get dried out as much as people had told me, but again, my lips are always dry. I noticed that my scalp needed more care due to some dandruff that formed the past few months. TAKE VITAMIN E ONCE EVERY MORNING. This helps with dry skin, believe me. Overall, nice product, it saved my social life.
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December 19, 2008

Pros:

clears up pretty well, gets rid of active acne, feel like help is on the way

Cons:

EXTREMELY, extremely dry lips, and the corners of my mouth got very bad, i got a lot of bloody noses too

I got off Accutane about a month ago. My active acne didn't go away until about the very end of my fifth and final month. I still have some scars but I think time will take care of them. Accutane was a pretty big commitment for me because I had to take monthly blood tests, take my pills everywhere i went because i took 2 a day. But the bottom line is it did it's job, event though they were definitely side effects. Active acne is very blatant and it feels good to know that all i have left are scars. If you are deciding whether or not to go on, i would recommend you do.
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared the acne on my face, chest, and back and left my skin smooth. Also, my hair isnt greasy anymore

Cons:

Very dry lips-words cannot describe! pretty much everything is very dry, especially in fall/winter. Blood work was also a pain. OH and DONT get anything, such as your eyebrows waxed!

Although there may seem like a lot of risks, and its a long and tedious process, it was really worth it. The first few months are tough, but from there on out its pretty good! If you stuggle with bad skin, you should definetly give accutane a try!
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

amazing

Cons:

horrible side effects

I had severe acne for about 4 years, all through high school and it was tough. I started taking accutane and i had weird side effects, but mainly my nose was so dry. I have been off of accutane for about 3 years and haven't had any trouble with acne ever since. its definitely worth it. i didn't have to pay for mine because i was living at home and my parents paid for all that stuff, but i would say it is worth it even if you have to work 2 jobs to pay for it. trust me.
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

It works...

Cons:

dry lips, nosebleed

i wish i had taken this medication much earlier.. my prescription is 20mg a day for a year... i'm nearly on my 5th month now... those cystic acne is finally coming out... it looks like this med pushes the junks out of the skin... and those white heads and blacks heads stopped forming.. very happy with the results.. doctor said.. it's gonna get rid of my acne forever.. i doubt it.. but i hope for it
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne for good

Cons:

Dry lips and skin

After many years during which I despaired because of my acne and after all external treatments that I had previously tried failed, my doctor recommended for me to use accutane. I read all of the negative side effects that accutane can cause, but decided to try it and stop if I saw any of these side effects occuring. After using a a low dosage of accutane (talk to your doctor about what is right for you) over a long period of time, changes started to happen. My skin cleared up, and now, two years after being off it, my acne has not come back. I have single pimples like any other person, but no acne and I am completely happy. Get medical check ups for your liver regularly, take the right amount of the medication, watch out for side effects and HAVE PATIENCE, and you will see results. I also saw absolutely no effect of accutane on my mental health while I was taking it for a year. Don't get discouraged if you see no changes after one or two months. Leave it some time. Good
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

did clear acne !!finsihed course,, a few days ago!!skin looks better compared before acne.

Cons:

Leaves red marks behind!!great memeories of the acne torment.Mood swings , depressed a lot !!chapped lips

works quite well, leaves red marks, leaves you with attitude problem for a while !!worth it I suppoose
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

It hopefully will cure me...it's gettin better each week! No oil on skin!

Cons:

Dry lips. Few nose bleeds.

My light acne was very persistent...I tried everything. It worked for a while, then it came back. I'm 24 yo male,who is tired of getting acne all the time. It's time to end it.
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

Seemed to work great at first, after around 3-4 months of the accutane the acne was cleared up almost completely.

Cons:

The acne came back. Had to do another course of accutane. Very dry lips and hands.

The acne has reoccurred again. I don't know that we will do any more. It seems like the best cure for most. Unfortunately not for me.
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

accutane cleared up my face completely.

Cons:

it left my lips a wreck even with chapstick

it does the job just as it should but be prepared to suffer the side effects
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website